Nepal faces Mount Everest overcrowding crisis as experts demand climber limits

Mountain experts are calling on Nepali authorities to cap the number of climbers permitted on Mount Everest annually, citing dangerous overcrowding conditions that have created safety hazards on the world's highest peak. The overcrowding issue has led to bottlenecks, long waiting times at critical altitudes, and increased accident risk for climbers. Nepal issues hundreds of climbing permits yearly, generating significant government revenue, creating tension between commercial interests and mountaineer safety. The debate reflects a broader conflict between promoting tourism and protecting climbers in one of the world's most extreme environments.